adenine

USAGE SUMMARY

'adenine' is correct and usable in written English.
Adenine is a nucleic acid found in DNA, so you can use it when discussing genetics or biology topics. For example, "Adenine is one of the four main components of DNA."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This seems to be because sirtuins control the abundance of a regulatory molecule called nicotinamide adenine diphosphate which, in turn, controls the release of energy in the mitochondria.The most intriguing connection in this story is with the French paradox.

The Economist

The four chemical "bases" (the letters of the genetic alphabet) that form the rungs of the helix stick together in complementary pairs: A (adenine) with T (thymine), and C (cytosine) with G (guanine).

The Economist

DNA, they showed, is a double helix formed of the base pairs of adenine and thymine (referred to as A and T for short), and of cytosine and guanine (C and G .For some 3.5 billion years the Watson and Crick base pairs, as they are known, have been faithfully replicated by DNA polymerases, the enzymes that copy DNA.

The Economist

Triplets of this type are represented by one uracil (U) preceding, and adjacent to, two adenines (UAA) or preceding one adenine and one guanosine in either order (UGA, or UAG).

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the end of this cycle the carbon atoms yield carbon dioxide and the hydrogen atoms are transferred to the cell's most important hydrogen acceptors, the coenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), yielding NADH and FADH2.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But they can pair only in certain ways: adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine with cytosine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Successful DNA replication requires that the two purine bases, adenine (A) and guanine (G), pair with their pyrimidine counterparts, thymine (T) and cytosine (C).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Still other scientists attempted to create synthetic DNA with an expanded genetic code that included new base pairs in addition to the naturally occurring pairs of A-T (adenine-thymine) and C-G (cytosine-guanine).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because of structural requirements only the base pairs adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine are allowed.

SEP

The structure they wished to suggest gave birth to an icon: the double helix.Building on the work of many others, they described how the two spiral chains which make up DNA are coiled around a single axis, and how the two strands unite through the precise pairing of four different types of nucleotide bases adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine.

The Economist

In DNA computing, information is represented using the four-character genetic alphabet (A [adenine], G [guanine], C [cytosine], and T [thymine]), rather than the binary alphabet (1 and 0) used by traditional computers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about genetics or molecular biology, clearly specify "adenine" when referring to the nucleotide base, and use 'A' as its abbreviation only after it has been fully defined.

Common error

Avoid using "adenine" and "adenosine" interchangeably. "Adenine" is the base itself, while adenosine is the nucleoside consisting of adenine and ribose. Use the terms accurately to maintain precision in scientific writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "adenine" is as a noun, specifically referring to a fundamental component of DNA and RNA. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in scientific writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

32%

News & Media

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Ludwig AI confirms that "adenine" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, particularly in scientific and academic writing. It functions as a noun, denoting a crucial component of DNA and RNA. The term's primary usage is for accurate descriptions in genetics and biochemistry. When writing about "adenine", ensure clarity by defining abbreviations like 'A' and differentiating it from related terms such as adenosine. Its usage spans scientific literature, encyclopedias and news articles making it a common term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A base in DNA

Refers to the role of adenine as a fundamental component of DNA.

Adenine nucleotide

Specifies a nucleotide containing adenine.

A purine base

Identifies adenine within the purine classification.

Nitrogenous base adenine

Emphasizes the nitrogen-containing nature of adenine.

Chemical base adenine

Highlights the chemical composition of adenine.

A component of DNA

Describes adenine's function as a building block of DNA.

Adenine in the genetic code

Places adenine within the broader context of the genetic code.

The A nucleotide

Shortened version referring to adenine as 'A'.

Adenine in base pairing

Focuses on adenine's role in base pairing within DNA.

Building block of nucleic acids

General term referring to Adenine.

FAQs

How does "adenine" function in DNA?

"Adenine" (A) pairs with thymine (T) in DNA, forming a crucial part of the genetic code. This pairing ensures accurate DNA replication and transcription.

What's the relationship between "adenine" and "adenosine triphosphate (ATP)"?

"Adenine" is a component of ATP, a molecule that provides energy for cellular processes. ATP consists of "adenine", ribose, and three phosphate groups.

What are some alternative ways to refer to "adenine" in scientific writing?

Depending on the context, you can refer to "adenine" as "A base in DNA" or "a purine base".

Is it correct to use the abbreviation "A" instead of spelling out "adenine"?

Yes, but only after you have clearly defined that "A" refers to "adenine" earlier in your text. This ensures clarity for your readers.